Akaysha breaks ground on 205-MW battery project in Queensland

Akaysha Energy Pty Ltd, the Aussie battery energy developer backed by BlackRock Inc (NYSE:BLK), has kicked off the construction of its 205-MW/410-MWh Brendale energy storage project in Queensland.

The company held an official sod-turning ceremony on Wednesday, claiming the project is a “crucial step” in its mission for a rapid deployment of large-scale batteries to enhance grid stability and energy security. The scheme will be reaslied at an investment of AUD 200 million (USD 131m/EUR 119.9m).

The Brendale battery energy storage system (BESS) will be located in the outer suburbs of Brisbane and will be equipped with Tesla Megapack’s technology. Once commissioned in 2026, it will enable Akaysha to trade capacity in the electricity market to provide ancillary services, including energy arbitrage, contingency and regulation Frequency Control Ancillary Services (FCAS) to the National Electricity Market (NEM). Its operation is also seen to facilitate the integration of new solar and wind power capacity in the region.

The BESS, set to become one of the largest ones in Queensland, will be able to store electricity equal to the power demand of up to 30,000 homes.

Consolidated Power Projects Australia Pty will serve as balance of plant and engineering, procurement and construction (EPC) contractor.

Akaysha reached a final investment decision (FID) on the project last December.

(AUD 1.0 = USD 0.655/EUR 0.599)

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